Teens Show off their Swag

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Models pose after a dance number during the "Swag The Runway" fashion show on July 30. (Photo by Thelma Sardin)
Models pose after a dance number during the "Swag The Runway" fashion show on July 30. (Photo by Thelma Sardin)

by Thelma Sardin

The talents and fashions of teen clothing designers were showcased at the Dreamz Youth Foundations annual, Swag The Runway fashion show on July 30. The event was held at the DuSable Museum of African American History on Chicagos Southside. The show is a full teen production from music selection to stage design and choreography.

Dreamz Youth Foundation was found in 1999 as Malak Wal Malika Model/Talent Troupe. Its goal is to empower and enrich the lives of young people by providing quality academic, fashion, art, production, financial and image building programs, as cited on its website.

Sa'Rah Valentine Mitchell , assistant director, Dreamz Youth Foundation said the idea for the foundation was borne from a partnership with her mother, Queen Mitchell. Dreamz serves as an outlet for kids interested in the performing arts and steers them away from deviant activity.

. It is very important for us to keep our teens off the streets and let them understand that they can reach for their Dreamz and showcase their talents when they put forth effort, said Mitchell.

"Swag The Runway" began in 2010 and Saturdays show was the foundations 2nd annual event.

With 15 years as a prominent tour manager working for some of musics biggest names including Rick James, Teena Marie and Chris Brown, Mitchell uses her talents and energy to help Chicagos youth stay on the right path.

As a child, SaRah said her mother always kept her engaged in several performing arts programs .

My mother always had me in a number of programs when I was growing up and I know that has groomed me into the woman I am today.

Queen, a retired Chicago Public Schools teacher of 32 years noticed a change in her students once performing arts were scaled back in public schools. SaRah said this change was one of the main reasons she and her mother teamed up for Dreamz. [We] give the teens the freedom to express themselves through choreography, design and more.

The shows models range from age 6-19 years old; however, the decision was recently made to let 3 and 4 year old participate in the show.

According to Mitchell, the fashion show is important for youth because, .it lifts their self-esteem, motivates, encourages and grooms them into successful individuals. [They can] carry this experience with them forever.

For more information about Dreamz Youth Foundation please log on to www.dreamzyouthcenter.com

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